' . . s ^ ^^ 








^^0^ 




.^' 








. "^^-^-^ 

/°-o •^^' 0^°^*- ' 







> 









■3 vA^ 












•*-o 



l-^-_ 



^-S' 



^... A-^" '>»2^% "^-^ 



BOWEN'S 



NEAV GUIDE 



CITY OF BOSTON 



AND VICINITY 



State of ^annati)untttn, 




BOSTON : 

JAMES MUNROE AND COMPANY, 

No. 134 Washington Street. 



/mj 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by 

Abel Bowen, 

[n the CIerk'3 Office of the District Court of the District of 

Massachusetts. 



NOTICE. 

Many have been in the habit of making very free use of the 
matter contained in works heretofore pulilished by the author 
of this Guide, without paying much regard to the Copy Right, 
or acknowledging the source from whence they derived their 
information. This is to caution such against the practice. 
He feels a pride in being quoted, if it is not done in any way 
calculated to injure the sale of his puljjications, and where 
proper credit is given. 






TO THE READER. 



The frequent calls for a smaller work than those I have 
heretofore published (Bowen's Picture of Boston and 
Snow's History of Boston,) have induced me to prepare 
this Guide for those who may wish a mere sketch of the 
most prominent objects of interest to be seen in a speedy 
drive through the City and vicinity. To those in want of 
a more full description, I would refer to the larger w^orks 
I have named. 

The History of Boston is a volume of about 400 pages, 
octavo, and is designed to be a correct narrative of events 
from the foundation of Boston to the time of its publica- 
tion. A new edition is in preparation, and will soon be 
issued in numbers, with numerous illustrations. 

The Picture of Boston is a more full birds'-eye view of 
the prominent objects and institutions than are here given, 
which may be had of the publishers of this Guide. 

ABEL BOWEN. 

Boston, April, 1849. 



CONTENTS, 



Page 
Boston. A brief Historical Sketch from its settlement to the present 

time 5 

Hotels. Their character, accommodations, and location . . 8 

Tremont House 9 

United States Hotel 9 

Revere House 11 

Merchants Exchange 11 

Marlboro' Hotel 12 

Adams House, and a continued Alphabetical List ... 12 

Objects of Interest, Viewed from the dome of the Stale House 14 

Faneuil Hall 17 

Faneuil Hall Market 18 

Churches 19 

Wharves, Shipping, and Bridges 19 

Principal Business Streets 20 

Places of Amusement 20 

Anticiuities of Boston 21 

Places WORTH Visiting 23 

Vicinity of Boston 24 

Q.U1NCV 25 

Dorchester 25 

City of Roxbury 26 

Bkookline 27 

Brighton 28 

City of Cambridge 29 

somervih.e 30 

City of Charlestown 31 

Chelsea 32 

Railroads 35 



BOSTON 



The City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, 
the capital of Massachusetts, and the metropohs of 
New England, is situated on a peninsula nearly 
three miles in length, and about one mile in 
breadth, of an uneven surface, originally called 
by the Indians, Shaivmut. When first settled by 
John Winthrop, Isaac Johnson, and their associ- 
ates, there were three prominent hills on the 
peninsula. Their locations are now known as 
Fort Hill, Copp's Hill, and Beacon Hill; — the 
latter had three distinct peaks or hills, which cir- 
cumstance led to the first English name given 
to the place, that of Tri-Mountain, and from this 
has arisen the more modern name of Tremont. 
Its elevation affords a very picturesque and beauti- 
ful view when approached, the State House al- 
ways forming the crowning feature, which gives it 
a peculiar and striking appearance, much admired 
by strangers. 

1* 



6 BOSTON. 

Boston is at the head of Massachusetts Bay, in 
north latitude 42° 21' 23", and west long. 7V 4' 9". 
It owes its origin to a spirit of civil and religious 
liberty, which was excited to action by the perse- 
cutions that prevailed in England during the 
reigns of Queen Elizabeth and Kings James and 
Charles the First. Those persons who arrived 
here under Governor Winthrop may be properly 
considered the first English settlers, as they de- 
termined soon after their arrival on making the 
peninsula, or Tri-Mountain as it was called, a 
"chief-town." On the 7th of September, 1630, 
the Court of Assistants ordered that Tri-Mountain 
be called Boston, and from that day we may date 
the foundation of our City, which became incor- 
porated as such February 23, 1822. At the time 
of the settlement, the upland on the Blackstone 
Peninsula did not exceed 700 acres, which has 
since been enlarged, by filling up the sea, to near 
1200 acres. The Dorchester peninsula, contain- 
ing about 600 acres, now called South Boston, 
was annexed to the " City Proper " in 1804. 
Maverick's Island, now called East Boston, con- 
tains also about GOO acres, is regularly laid out 
into streets and squares, and has become, like 
South Boston, an important part of the city. 
There are also embraced, within the city jurisdic- 
tion, numerous islands in the harbor, estimated to 



BOSTON. 7 

contain near 1000 acres of upland, which are as 
yet but thinly inhabited. 

The City is bounded by the harbor and bay on 
the east ; Dorchester and the City of Roxbury on 
the south ; Brookline and the City of Cambridge 
on the west ; Somerville, the City of Charlestown 
and Chelsea on the north. Population in 1800, 
24,937 ; 1820, 43,298 ; 1840, 93,383 ; 1845, 
114,366. When comparing the number of in- 
habitants with other cities in the United States, the 
immediate vicinity should in justice be included, 
which gives nearly double the population that is 
enumerated in the City census. The City is di- 
vided into twelve wards, and is governed by a 
Mayor, eight Aldermen, and forty-eight Common 
Councilmen, chosen annually by the citizens, in 
the month of December. On the first Monday in 
January, the government is organized. The board 
of Aldermen, with the Mayor, compose one House, 
and the Common Council the other. The first 
branch is elected by general ticket, and the second 
by wards. They generally act separately, and 
have a negative on the proceedings of each other. 
These boards, in their joint capacity, are denom- 
inated the City Council^ and have the power to 
appoint, prescribe the duties, and fix the compen- 
sation of all city officers ; to call officers and boards 
to account ; to determine, annually, the number of 



8 BOSTON. 

Representatives the City shall send to the Legis- 
lature. They, also have the power to elect a 
Mayor in case the office becomes vacant. 

Boston is the seat of various literary and scien- 
tific institutions ; and probably no city of its size 
in the world is better supplied with public and pri- 
vate schools, accessible to all classes of people. 
It has been greatly distinguished in the history of 
this country, in consequence of the conspicuous 
part taken in the events and transactions which 
led to the American Revolution ; and has been 
imitated as a model by other Cities, and even 
States, in forming institutions and principles of 
government. It is the seat of government. The 
State Legislature convenes here once a year, and 
the session commences on the first Wednesday in 
January. On these, and many other accounts, it 
is beUeved that Boston, with its vicinity, possesses 
greater objects of interest to the stranger than is 
enjoyed by any other city in the Union. To make 
him famihar with some of the most prominent, is 
the object of this Guide. 

HOTELS. 
The first thing a stranger seeks, on entering the 
city, is to provide a comfortable Hotel, or Board- 
ing House, to suit his taste, convenience, and cir- 
cumstances. Boston is amply provided with places 



BOSTON. 9 

of entertainment, suited to all classes of people, 
from the President of the United States down to 
the most humble peasant. Besides the public 
houses here enumerated, there may be found, in 
every business part of the city, other establish- 
ments, Boarding Houses, Restaurants, and Victual- 
ling Saloons, where the stranger and the lone 
citizen may call at all hours of the day and obtain 
refreshments to suit his taste and purse. 

TREMONT HOUSE. 

This is one of the most convenient and best 
managed hotels in the United States, situated on 
the corner of Tremont and Beacon streets ; has a 
granite front 160 feet long, three stories high, with 
two wings, one eighty-four by thirty-four feet, the 
other one hundred and ten by forty feet, each 
four stories high, having in all ISO rooms. It was 
built in 1828, and was first occupied by Mr. Dwight 
Boyden in October, 1829, under whose discipline 
it may be said to have formed a new era in the 
management of hotels, since so extensively copied 
all over the country. The establishment is under 
the management of Messrs. J. L. Tucker & Co. 
and is well patronized. 

THE UNITED STATES HOTEL 

Is said to be the most extensive establishment in 



10 BOSTON. 

the countiy, containing nearly 400 apartnients ; is 
very eligibly situated for the acconrmiodation of 
the travelling public, being in the immediate vicin- 
ity of the depots of the Western, Worcester, and 
Old Colony Railroads ; fronting on three avenues, 
Beach, Lincoln, and Kingston streets. This hotel 
was commenced in 1837, completed in 1839, and 
opened by the present lessees, Messrs. Holman 
and Clark, in 1840, who have, by their manage- 
ment, earned a reputation not to be surpassed. 

The main front, on Beach street, is four stories 
high, and has wings five stories high, extending 
over 240 feet on Lincoln and Kingston streets, 
which are joined to a building in the rear, forming 
an open area or hollow square in the centre, for 
light, and yard room ; and is one of the most com- 
modious, convenient, pleasant and healthful estab- 
lishments to be found in the United States. The 
Dining Room will accommodate upwards of 400 
persons at the table. The Reading Room, the 
drawing rooms, parlors and sleeping rooms, are 
convenient and well arranged. The entrances 
from each street, and the passages and stairways 
to the rooms, are spacious, making the establish- 
ment, altogether, a desirable residence for fami- 
lies, as well as the transient boarder and the 
business traveller. 



BOSTON' ] 1 

THE REVERE HOUSE 
, Ts a very popular hotel, owned by the Massachu- 
setts Charitable jMechanic Association, erected 
1846, in Bowdoin Square, corner of Bulfinch 
street, on what was formerly the Kirk Boott estate. 
The building is five stories high, and has two 
wings, with a building in the rear, — forming an 
open space in the centre, similar to that of the 
United States Hotel. At the main entrance there 
is a beautifid portico, supported by four Corinthian 
columns. The entrance for ladies is separate, 
and at the east and west wings, on either side of 
the portico. The house is leased by Paran Ste- 
vens, Esq. for a term of ten j^ears, and was 
opened by him in May, 1847. The establishment 
at first comprised 175 apartments, richly fur- 
nished, but the patronage has been so great that 
it has been found necessary to add to the west 
wing 110 more rooms. This is a deservedly pop- 
ular house. 

MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE, AND HOTEL, 

Is a beautiful granite building in State Street, on 
the site of the old State Bank, in the very centre or 
heart of the business part of the city, and is owned 
in shares by our principal merchants. The Hotel 
department is not very extensive. This building is 
also constructed for business purposes, such as 



12 BOSTON. 

Banking, Insurance Companies, Bank Note En- 
graving, Brokerage, Commission business, and 
other purposes. The Post-Office is in the base- 
ment, admirably arranged, commodious, and easy 
of access. There is a spacious hall in the cen- 
tre, richly decorated by lofty columns, a dome 
with a beautiful sky-light, which is used for a 
Reading Room, and as a place of assemblage for 
the merchants. 

THE MARLBORO' HOTEL 

Is an establishment worthy special notice, as a 
thorough Temperance house, and one that ranks 
high in the estimation of the public. The Marl- 
boro' Chapel is connected with this house. It was 
opened on the 4th of July, 1837. It is owned by 
an incorporated company, and cost $57,000. 

There are many other extensive and well- 
managed hotels, worthy of a more full description 
than our limits will permit ; such as the 

Adams House, 371 Washington Street, on the 
site of the old Lamb Tavern. 

Albion, by Maj. Barton, opposite the Stone 
Chapel, Tremont Street. 

American House, 42 Hanover Street. 

Bromfield House, Bromfield Street. 

City Hotel, Brattle Street, near Dock Square. 



BOSTON. 13 

Commercial Coffee House, Milk Street, near 
Liberty Square. 

Concert Hall, corner of Court and Hanover 
Streets. 

CuNARD House, Webster Street, East Boston. 

Eastern Exchange Hotel, near East Boston 
Ferry. 

Exchange Coffee House, Congress Square, on 
the site of the old Exchange, built in 1808, and 
burnt in 1818. 

Franklin House, 44 Merchants Row, near 
Faneuil Hall. 

Globe Hotel, corner of Hanover and Com- 
mercial Street, near Chelsea Ferry. 

Hanover House, 50 Hanover Street. 

La Fayette Hotel, 392 Washington Street, 
near where once stood the famous "Liberty Tree." 

Merrimac House, Merrimac Street, near the 
National Theatre. 

New England Coffee House, Clinton Street. 

Norfolk House, 25 Elm Street. 

Patterson House, 11 Elm Street. 

Pavilion, 41 Tremont Row. 

Pearl Street House, corner of Pearl anc 
Milk Streets. 

Pemberton House, Howard Street, near the 
Howard Athenaeum. 

South Boston Hotel, Fourth Street. 

2 



J 4 BOSTON. 

Union Hotel, Maverick Square, East Boston. 
Utica House, Utica Street. 
Washington Coffee House, Washington St. 
Western Hotel, 94 & 96 Cambridge Street. 
Winthrop House, corner of Boylston and Tre- 
mont Streets. 

For other houses, and their locations, see Path 
Finder^ a very useful semi-weekly periodical, 
published at No. 5 Washington Street, near Dock 
Square. 

OBJECTS OF INTEREST. 

Persons wishing to obtain the most comprehen- 
sive knowledge of Boston by ocular demonstration, 
and in the shortest possible time, should embrace 
the opportunity of visiting the Dome of the State 
House, which is open free every pleasant week 
day, except on holidays, and while the Legislature 
are in session. From the top of this building, 
which is 230 feet above the level of the sea, you 
have a delightful birds'-eye view of Boston, the 
harbor, and surrounding country. The eye em- 
braces at once almost every avenue and public 
building. By taking a friend with you, who is ac- 
quainted with localities, objects of interest may be 
pointed out more readily than I can do by any 
written description. I would, however, advise com- 



BOSTON. 15 

mencing with the harbor and bay on the east, 
passing round with the sun. Numerous Islands, 
Nahant, Fort Warren, the Light Houses, the Cas- 
tle or Fort Independence, and the Farm School, 
will be seen in the harbor. Passing to the shore 
at the right, you have South Boston, with the 
House of Industry, House of Correction, City In- 
sane Hospital and the Perkins Institute for the 
Blind. The latter is on Mount Washington, known 
as Dorchester Heights in Revolutionary times; 
In the foreground, in the same range, may be seen 
Faneuil Hall, Faneuil Hall Market, Long Wharf, 
Custom House, India Wharf, Fort Hill, Trinity 
Church, United States Hotel, and Old Colony, 
Worcester and Western Rail Road Depots. In 
the same range more immediately under your 
eye, may be seen the Old State House, Mer- 
chants' Exchange, I^oston Museum, the Stone 
Chapel, Tremont House, the Athenteum and the 
Masonic Temple ; — over the latter in the dis- 
tance are to be seen Dorchester and Milton ; — 
passing farther to the right, the City of Roxbury 
is in full view, where it joins to Boston Neck. 
The Common is now before you with its beautiful 
Malls, Walks and Forest Trees, — in the midst of 
which stands the Great Elm, (a grand specimen 
of one of the Liberty Trees,) by the side of the 
PouxTAiN Pond, where the Cochituate Water is 
made to flow with magnificent display. At the 



1(> BOSTON. 

right of this, and beyond Charles street, is the 
Public Garden, and the Western Avenue leading 
to Brookline and Brighton, in the distance, where 
spires of Churches may be distinguished to mark 
their location. A little farther to the right may be 
seen Mount Auburn and Old Cambridge, Cam- 
bridgeport, the Cambridge Bridge which crosses 
the Charles River, and the Mass. General Hospi- 
tal in the foreground ; and still farther to the right, 
Cragie's Bridge, East Cambridge, Somerville on 
Winter and Prospect Hills, the Maclean Asylum 
for the Insane, Rail Road Bridges for the Lowell, 
Maine Extension and Fitchburg Rail Roads. Ad- 
vance a little farther, and you have the City of 
Charlestown, with the State Prison, Prison Point 
Bridge, the Warren and Charles River Bridges, 
Bunker Hill Monument and the Navy Yard before 
you. Your attention may be next drawn to the 
Great Cochituate Reservoir, immediately under 
your feye, the Revere House, National Theatre, 
the Gas Works on Copp's Hill, — over which is to 
be seen the beautiful town of Chelsea, with the 
United States Naval and Marine Hospitals. Here 
the waters of the Charles and Mystic Rivers flow 
in one broad expanse one mile and three-eighths 
wide, where the Winnisimmet Steam Ferry Boats 
pass every 15 minutes, from daylight in the 
morning until 11 o'clock at night. One more 



BOSTON. 17 

move and the panai'amic circle is finished, — this 
brings you to Lynn, with its long Beach to Na- 
hant ; Chelsea Beach, Point Shirley and East 
Boston, with its Ferry, the Eastern Rail Road 
Depot, and the wharves for the Cunard Steamers. 

On descending the stairs, do not neglect to 
read the Stone Tablets, taken from the Beacon 
Hill Monument, which will be found placed at the 
sides of the passage ; and also, examine Chantry's 
Statue of Washington, placed in the rear of the 
lower hall. 

The next most important obje(?t to be visited, 
is the interior of the " Cradle of Liberty," 

FANEUIL HALL. 
The great Hall is 76 feet square, and 28 feet 
high, with galleries on three sides resting upon 
Doric columns ; the ceiling is supported by two 
ranges of Ionic columns ; the walls are enriched 
with pilasters, and the windows with architraves. 
For the better accommodation of spectators in full 
assemblages, platforms under, and in the galleries 
rise amphitheatrically, making it favorable for 
sight and sound. The west end, which is without 
a gallery, is decorated by an original full length 
painting of Washington, by Stuart ; and another 
painting of the same size, by Col. Henry Sargent, 
representing Peter Faneuil, Esq. Between these 
2* 



18 BOSTON. 

paintings is placed an excellent marble bust of 
John Adams. There are also many portraits and 
paintings appropriately arranged to decorate the 
hall. Above the great hall, is another, 78 by 80, 
devoted to the exercise of the different military 
companies of the city, with apartments on each 
side for their armories. 

FANEUIL HALL MARKET 
Is a granite building 535 feet 9 inches long and 
50 wide, — formed by wings from a centre build- 
ing. This is surmounted by a Dome, crowned by 
a lantern light. This Market is situated east of 
Fancuil Hall, between North and South Market 
Streets, and was built by the city in 1825, through 
the perseverance, enterj)rise and influence of the 
Hon. Josiah Quincy, while Mayor of the city. The 
Hall over the Market is called Quincy Hall, in 
honor to him. The principal entrances are at the 
centre on the north and south fronts, and at the 
east and west porticoes. There is a passage of 12 
feet wide through the whole length of the building, 
with 128 market stalls arranged on its sides. 
These are occupied, 16 for the sale of mutton, 
veal, poultry and venison ; 19 for pork, lamb, but- 
ter and poultry; 45 for beef; 4 for butter and 
cheese ; 19 for vegetables, and 20 for fish. This 
market is in fact one of the principal attractions 
of the city to strangers. 



liiT^iiSiBiiiiiiiip 




BOSTON. 19 

There are other extensive markets in Boston 
worthy of a visit ; — especially the Boylston Mar- 
ket and the Beach Street Market. 

CHURCHES. 

In July 1848, there were 97 Religious Societies, 
having places of worship in different parts of the 
city; — many of which have large and costly 
edifices, erected in various styles of architecture, 
giving, by their numerous spires and towers, an 
aspect to Boston highly creditable. For a list of 
their names, localities and ministers, we refer the 
inquiring stranger to Adams's Boston Directory 
for 1818, page 31. 

WHARVES, SHIPPING AND BRIDGES. 

Boston is well supplied with wharf privileges, 
extending nearly round the whole peninsula — 
from the Western Avenue to Dorchester Cove, 
above South Boston Bridge. There are also very 
extensive wharf privileges at South and East Bos- 
ton, which are every year coming more and more 
into use ; in fact, there are but few cities, if any, 
that possess the advantages for commercial accom- 
modations, that are found here. The principal 
wharves, with the forests of shipping, may be 
viewed in a very short space of time, and will 
well pay the business stranger, for the time and 



20 BOSTON. 

expense of a drive to view them. The numerous 
bridges in Boston attract the attention of stran- 
gers, from their peculiar construction. They are 
nearly all free. 

THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS STREETS 

Are State, Court, Washington, Milk, Pearl, Con- 
gress, Exchange, Kilby, North and South Market, 
India, Commercial, Doane, Broad, Fulton, Ann, 
Blackstone, Union, and Hanover Streets. There 
are also many places and parts of streets, where 
extensive business is transacted, such as Tremont 
Row, Merchants Row, Cornhill, Clinton Street, 
Dock Square, Atkinson, Federal, and School 
Streets, besides others at South and East Boston. 

PLACES OF AMUSKMENT. 
These are principally, the National Theatre, 
corner of Portland and Travers Streets ; the Bos- 
ton Theatre, in Federal Street, known for a time 
as- " The Odcon ; " Howard Athenceum, on the 
site of the Miller Tabernacle, in Howard Street ; 
Beach Street Museum, Boston Lyceum, Sudbury 
Street, and the Boston Museum, in Tremont 
street ; — the latter is open every week day, form 
8, A. M. to 10, P. M. Exhibitions^ye evenings in 
the week, and in the afternoons of Wednesday 
and Saturday. — Admittance 25 cents. 



BOSTON. 21 

ANTIQUITIES OF BOSTON. 
A stranger in visiting our city, particularly if he 
has an inquiring mind or an antiquarian taste, de- 
sires to see something that will remind him of the 
men who lived and acted here, previous to the 
establishment of our independence. The hand 
of improvement has left but little for the eye to 
discover, but there are a few things remaining 
worthy of notice. An old building, known as 
the " Feather Store,'' on the corner of Ann Street 
and Market Square, is perhaps the finest specimen 
of the old fashioned architecture, remaining in the 
city. Nothing can be more unlike the edifices of 
the present day, than this venerable structure, 
with its peaked roof, and its walls of rough-cast, 
prepared with fragments of glass instead of peb- 
bles to make it durable. It bears the date of its 
erection, 1660, legibly impressed on its exterior 
surface. It was built soon after the great fire of 
1679, which destroyed over 150 warehouses and 
stores. It is said to have been first occupied by 
two families with two stores at the same time. 
Vessels once used to be floated along side of this 
building, and it has always been a noted business 
place. It has been improved by John K. Simpson, 
(father and son,) as a feather-store, for more than 
a quarter of a century. There are a few other 
buildings in this style of architecture in other 



22 BOSTON. 

parts of the city, but not in so perfect state, or 
as old. The venerable Mansion of Jo /in Hancock^ 
the distinguished patriot, friend of liberty and a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence, is still 
standing on Beacon Street, near the State House. 
It is an ancient stone building, which should be 
preserved as long as it could be made habitable, 
as a monument to the memory of Boston's great- 
est patriot. The Old State House, at the head of 
State Street, is a much cherished relic of " Old 
Colony Times, " and is made memorable by the 
transactions which have taken place in and about 
it. There are many other places and objects we 
should like to point out to the Antiquary, if we 
could but accompany him in his stroll through the 
city. We would show him very near the spot 
where the '''First Church" was built in State 
Street, between Congress and Devonshire Streets ; 
— Where the Old Province House, the residence 
of the Provincial Governors before the Revolution, 
remains hid behind a block of buildings nearly 
opposite the head of Milk Street ; — and also where 
the Mansion of Gov. Winthrop stood in the vici- 
nity of the Old South Church, nearly opposite 
School Street — which was demolished by the 
British in 1775. And again, show where Gov. 
Endicott built a house and once resided, on what 
is now Tremont Row, near the lower end of Trc- 



BOSTON. -Zli 

mont Street. Sir Henry Vane's estate joined his, 
and was afterwards known as Madam Lechmere's. 
The Mansion of Peter Fancuil was also here, 
and a little south of this, was the site of Gov. Bel- 
linghani's Mansion^ opposite the burial-ground, 
and where afterwards was erected the noble Man- 
sion of Jonathan Phillips, Esq. Gov. Belcher'^s 
house stood where the Merchants' Exchange now 
is, and adjoining that of Gov. Leverett. Gov. 
Hutchinson resided in Garden Court Street near 
North Square, next to the splendid Clark Estate ; 
— these were pulled down in 1834. We would 
also point out the place where Governor Phipps 
erected a " splendid brick house" on the corner of 
Salem and Charter Streets — known in later times 
as the Asylum for Indigent Boys ; and to con- 
clude, describe the Old House, and point out the 
venerated spot which gave to Boston, a Benjamin 
Franklin. The place is commemorated by a beau- 
tiful "Block of Stores" in Milk street, nearly 
opposite the Old South Church, bearing the inscrip- 
tion legibly wrought on its front, " The Birth- 
Place of Franklin." 

PLACES WORTH VISITING. 
The Bunker Hill Monument was commenced in 
1825, and finished in 1842, which circumstance was 
commemorated by a grand celebration on the 17th 



24 BOSTON. 

of June, 1843. From the top of this structure a 
view may be had nearly equal to that from the 
State House : — Admittance 12 j- cents. 

The State Prison, also in Charlestown, can be 
visited at any time, except on Fast Day and the 
Sabbath, by paying 25 cents, — tickets may be 
obtained on entering the outer gate. The United 
States Navy Yard, can be freely visited any hour 
during the day. The Perkins Institute for the 
Blind, the Houses of Industry and Riformation, 
the Insane Hospital, all at South Boston, have 
much to interest the visitor. Nahant is a place of 
frequent resort, particularly during the warm sea- 
son. Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn, between 
Cambridge and Watertown, are places not to be 
neglected ; in fact, there are Institutions and objects 
of attraction in all the Towns and Cities in the 

VICINITY OF BOSTON. 

Each place has its commanding eminences, 
affording to the eye most delightful and enchant- 
ing views. The Environs of Boston, and places 
within an hour's ride or sail, possess greater in- 
terest from the richness of scenery, than is found 
in any other part of the United States. Some of 
the places are venerable for their age, and inter- 
esting as the theatre of Revolutionary exploits. 



BOSTON. 25 

QUINCY 
Is about 10 miles from Boston, is distinguished for 
its granite quarries, and from having furnished two 
Presidents of the United States — John Adams, 
and his son John Quincy Adams. The ances- 
tral estate of the Quincy Family is in this town, 
and remains the property of the Hon. Josiah 
Quincy, formerly Mayor of Boston and President 
of Harvard University. The Quincy Rail Road 
Company has the credit of constructing the 
first Rail Road in this country, which was com- 
pleted in 1826. There is much to interest a 
stranger on a visit to this beautiful town. An 
interesting History of Quincy, by the Rev. George 
Whitney, will furnish the antiquary with all the 
information he may wish in relation to its early 
history. 

DORCHESTER 

Is within 4 miles of the city. Its Indian name 
was Mattapan, and was settled by the colonists in 
June, 1630. The roads and streets are good, al- 
though somewhat crooked. Besides the stores 
and places of business in the Village, there are 
fine country seats and substantial farm-houses 
thickly arranged, surrounded with fruit and other 
trees — giving the place a very picturesque ap- 
pearance. At the northerly part, near Roxbury, 



26 BOSTON. 

the land rises to the height of 885 feet above the 
sea, affording a delightful view of Boston and the 
harbor. Savin Hill, which lies in the north-east 
corner of the town, is a place of considerable 
resort during the summer season. Squanturn 
Peninsula, in Quincy, near Neponset bridge, is fa- 
mous for its yearly feast of shells. 

CITY OF ROXBURY. 
The most populous part of this city is about 
2 miles from the State House, and is so immedi- 
ately connected with Boston as to appear as a part 
of the same. It was incorporated as a town Sept. 
28, 1630, and as a city, March 12, 1846. This 
place always had advantages over other towns in 
the vicinity, as it was the only one from which 
the inhabitants could reach Boston by land. There 
are now three wide thoroughfares leading from 
Boston to Roxbury, and the Boston and Providence 
Rail Road passes through the whole length of that 
City — giving residences to numerous business 
men of Boston. The elegance, taste and grandeur 
displayed in the private mansions, exhibit a high 
state of refinement, which, with her beautiful sce- 
nery, makes Roxbury a place of great attraction. 
It was the birth-place of Gen. Joseph Warren, and 
residence of John Eliot, the apostle to the Indians 
at the time of his death, May 20, 1690. Gov. 



BOSTON. 27 

Thomas Dudley, Gov. Increase Sumner, Hon. 
John Lowell, Gen. Wm. Heath, Hon. Nathaniel 
Ruggles, Gov. Wm. Eustis, Gen. Henry Dear- 
born, Hon. Ebenezer Seaver, and other distin- 
guished men, resided in Roxbury. And there is 
now here, a no less distinguished personage than 
those we have mentioned, at least in the minds of 
the rising generation — we mean Peter Parley^ 
the author of numerous popular and useful works. 
There is a beautiful Cemetery at Forest Hills, 
containing about 70 acres, on the plan of Mount 
Auburn, which attracts many visitors. 

BROOKLINE 
Contains a neat little village with handsome 
Churches, and is pleasantly situated between Rox- 
bury and Brighton, on the "Old Road" from Cam- 
bridge and Watertown to Boston. In this town 
there are many well cultivated farms, and splendid 
private dwellings. Linden Place is a delightful spot, 
much admired. Brookline was formerly known 
as " Muddy River, " and was set off from Cam- 
bridge and incorporated in 1705, although it may 
be said to be one of the early settlements of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay. The First Parish Church is highly 
distinguished by its Pastor, Rev. John Pierce, D. D., 
who was ordained and settled over it, March 15, 
1797 — making more than half a century that he 



28 BOSTON. 

has labored in disseminating the Christian virtues 
to his people. This place, as well as Brighton, 
can be approached over the Western Avenue from 
Boston, which is the most direct route from the 
city — distance about 4 miles. There is a Branch 
Rail Road from the Worcester Road to this place. 
A very extensive Reservoir is here to receive the 
Cochituate Waters before passing into Boston, that 
is worth examining. 

BRIGHTON 
Is about 5 miles from Boston, and has a very de- 
lightful village, with a Town House, a Bank, two 
Churches, and many elegant country seats. A 
Cattle Fair was commenced here during the 
Revolutionary War, and has been continued ever 
since. Every Thursday is the " Fair Day," when 
the dealers in provisions resort there to make pur- 
chases. Cattle to supply the markets are brought 
in droves or on the Western Rail Road to this 
place for sale — often from 2000 to 8000 a 
week. When this place was first settled, it was 
called "Little Cambridge." The first Church was 
built here in 1744, and the first minister settled, 
was Rev. John Foster, D. D., who continued with 
the society nearly half a century. Brighton is 
noted for its fine Nurseries, by Winship, Warren, 
Joseph Breck & Co., and others. 



BOSTON. 29 

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE 

Is 34 miles from the Old State House, Boston ; 
was first called Newton, but on account of the 
College being established here, it was changed 
and incorporated with its present name, in 1638, 
and as a City in 1846. The College, the first in- 
stitution of the kind established in the country, 
was founded in 1636, and in 1638 took its name 
from the Rev. John Harvard of Charlestown, 
who made the first great donation to its funds. 
Since that time, its benefactors have been nume- 
rous and liberal. Besides the College Buildings, 
there are 18 Churches, a Court House and Jail, 
and numerous public and private buildings, all in 
good style of architecture, to attract the attention 
of the stranger. This was the head-quarters of 
Gen. Vv'ashington during the siege of Boston, 
and the Mansion occupied by him, (now the resi- 
dence of the much admired poet. Professor Long- 
fellow.) is situated on Brattle Street, the most 
direct road to Mount Auburn and Fresh Pond. 

The City is divided into 3 wards, each of which 
has distinct villages, known as Old Cambridge ; 
Cambridgeport, (near the Cambridge bridge,) and 
East Cambridge, where the Court House and Jail 
are situated. The last named district, was for- 
merly known as Lechmere Point, and for a time 
as Cragie's Point. Fresh Pojid, a delightful sheet 



30 BOSTON. 

of water, partly within the limits of the City, is a 
place of great resort during the summer season. 
Mount Auburn is near this Pond, and both can be 
visited from Boston, on the Fitchburg and Water- 
town Branch Rail Road, or by an Omnibus that 
runs stated hours every week day. 

For the names of President, Professors and 
other officers connected with Harvard College, 
and for business purposes, see Adams's Business 
Directory of the Environs of Boston for 1849. 

SOMERVILLE 

Is a delightfully situated town, set off from Charles- 
town in 1842, and lies on the high grounds be- 
tween Cambridge and Medford, known as Prospect, 
Winter, Central and Spring Hills, about 3 miles 
from Boston. This town is fast becoming the 
residence of business men from the city — having 
excellent Rail Road facilities, and is within 10 
minutes' ride of Boston. The ruins of the " Ur- 
suline Convent," destroyed (Aug. 11, 1834) by 
fire kindled by a desperate and lawless band, is to 
be seen here on elevated ground called " Mount 
Benedict." The Maclean Asylum for the Insane 
is in this town, delightfully situated on an eminence 
bordering on the Charles River near East Cam- 
bridge. There is about 15 acres of land attached 
to the estabhshment, under good improvement. 



BOSTON. 31 

CITY OF CHARLESTOWN. 

Charlestown is situated similar to Boston, on a 
peninsula formed by the confluence of Charles 
and Mystic Rivers, having a ridge of high grounds 
running through its whole length — forming prom- 
inent heights, known as Town or Church Hill, 
Bunker and Breed's Hills. It was first settled in 
1628, and may be said to be the Mother of Bos- 
ton ; — was incorporated as a town in 16*29, and 
as a City, in 1847. Charlestown is distinguished 
for its sacrifices in the cause of liberty, and its 
soil is made ever memorable from having been 
the battle-field where the first great struggle for 
American Independence was made. At the time 
of the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, nearly 
all the buildings were burnt or otherwise destroyed^ 
An elaborate and interesting History of Charles- 
toicn is now in progress of publication in numbers, 
by Richard Frothingham, Jr., to which we would 
refer the reader, for a more full account of the rise 
and progress of the place, than can be found in any 
other publication ; — upwards of 300 pages have 
already been given to the public. To a stranger, 
this city appears as though it were a part of Bos- 
ton, and some suppose the time is not far distant 
when it will be so. The foreigner will find much 
to interest him here. The Bunker Hill Monument 
is an object of great attraction, being 220 feet 



from its base to the top, and reaches SOT feet 
above the level of the sea, commanding a delight- 
ful prospect of the surrounding scenery ; — the 
fee for admittance is 1*2^ cents, which is collected 
to pay for keeping the grounds in order, and for 
compensating a man to be in constant attendance 
to wait on visitors. The Navy Yard, one of the 
most extensive in the United States, is here, having 
an excellent Dry Dock, large Ship and Store 
Houses, a Rope Walk, Machine Shops, Sail Lofts, 
and extensive buildings for storing and seasoning 
ship timber. It comprises 60 acres of land, in- 
closed by a high and substantial stone wall. Peo- 
ple are admitted free, at any hour of the day. 
The State Prison, founded in ISOO, is situated 
also here, on the westerly side of the city, opposite 
East Cambridge. This has been found a neces- 
sary and useful institution, and its discipline is 
conducted upon the most approved plans, and with 
a view to the reformation of the inmates. Charles- 
town has a population of about 15,000 inhabi- 
tants ; and the city is making vast improvements, 
and is fast increasing in wealth, business and 
population. 

CHELSEA. 

This town is situated northerly from Boston, 
one mile and three-eighths over the Winnisimmet 



BOSTON. 33 

Ferry. It is one of the most ancient and time- 
honored towns in the vicinity of the metropolis; 
while, at the same time, as respects the edifices 
and population, it may be ranked among the most 
youthful and enterprising places, so common to be 
found springing up all around us. In business 
matters and Courts of Justice, Chelsea being in 
the same county, is more connected with Boston 
than any other place. When first settled by the 
colonists, it was called Rumney Marsh, and that 
portion of the town which lay near Mystic River, 
was known by the Indian name of Winnisimmet. 
The early settlements were principally made in 
the Rumney Marsh District — lying towards Lynn ; 
and for some time the place was considered a 
great distance from Boston for most market pur- 
poses, having to pass, (for instance, with a load of 
hay,) through Maiden, Medford,Watertown, New- 
ton, Brookline, Roxbuiy, over the Neck, to get to 
Boston — a journey of not less than two or three 
days, in going and returning. In 1830, when the 
first Steamboat was put upon the Ferry, the Win- 
nisimmet district (comprising the whole territory of 
what is now Chelsea,) embraced about ten farms, 
the Hospital grounds, and three small house lots, 
with not more than 15 dwellings on the whole 
premises. In a few years after putting steam- 
boats on the Ferrv, this district became the most 



34 BOSTON. 

populous part of the town, and on March 19, 
1840, a division took place, giving to Rumney 
Marsh district, the name of North Chelsea — leav- 
ing the original name with the newly settled por- 
tion. By this operation Chelsea is deprived of 
her antiquity, except what may be derived from 
the name of Winnisimmet, its ancient Ferry, and 
" her Town Records^ " which date from 1738. 
The town at present embraces about 1200 acres, 
and has extensive water privileges, for commer- 
cial business ; — has a flourishing Village of about 
1000 buildings, with a population of about 5,400 
inhabitants. There are here 7 religious societies, 
five of which have erected Churches. There are 
also, 7 School Houses, besides several other places 
used as such, with good teachers, affording advan- 
tages for education equal to any other place in the 
vicinity of Boston. Here are several extensive 
Machine Shops, an Iron Foundry, Steam Planing 
and Sawing Mill, Stone Ware Pottery, Marble 
Factory, an extensive Laundry, Paper Stainery, 
Stocking Factory, Tanneries, Whiting Factory, 
Oil Refinery, Box and Trunk Factories, Lumber 
Yards, Coal and Wood Wharves, numerous Stores, 
Provision Shops, two Printing Offices with News- 
papers, and other places of business. Chelsea is 
a place of great resort in the summer season, on 
account of its easy access, the pleasantness of a 



BOSTON . 35 

passage in the Ferry Boats, its pure water and air, 
and the beautiful heights which afford extensive 
views of the surrounding country. The much 
celebrated Chelsea Beach, which lies about 3 miles 
from the Ferry, (in North Chelsea,) is visited by 
thousands of people annually. The United States 
Marine Hospital, and the Naval Hospital, two use- 
ful and well conducted establishments, are here 
pleasantly located. 

RAIL ROADS. 

These, with the Stage Lines, and Omnibus 
accommodations, afford cheap and expeditious 
modes of conveyance to all who may wish to visit 
places in the vicinity of Boston. 

The Old Colony Rail Ruad passes through 
Dorchester, Neponset, Milton by a branch, and 
Quincy. The Depot is near the United States 
Hotel. 

The Worcester Rail Road has its Depot, also, 
near the United States Hotel, and passes through 
Brighton, Brookline by a branch, Newton, Need- 
ham, Natick, Wayland, and Framingham ; and 
also, to Saxonville by a branch over Lake Cochi- 
tuate or Long Pond, from whence Boston is sup- 
plied with pure water through an Aqueduct 19 
miles in length. 



36 



The Providence Rail Road Depot is near the 
south-west corner of the Common. This Road 
passes through Roxbury and near Jamaica Plains, 
Dedham by a branch, Canton and Sharon. 

The Fitchhurg Rail Road leads from Boston 
and Charlestown, and passes through Somerville, 
West Cambridge, Watertown, Fresh Pond and 
Mount Auburn by a branch, Lexington by a branch, 
Waltham, Lincoln and Concord. 

The Maine Extension Rail Road, (Depot in 
Haymarket Square,) upper route, passes through 
Somerville, Medford by a branch. Maiden, Melrose, 
Stoneham, Reading, Wilmington, Ballard Vale, 
Andover, Lawrence by a branch, and Haverhill. 

The Eastern Rail Road, (lower route,) has the 
Depot at East Boston, and passes through North 
Chelsea, the great shoe-manufacturing town of 
Lynn, Marblehead by a branch, the ancient and 
enterprising town of Salem, Beverly, Wenham, 
Ipswich, Rowley and Newburyport. 

For distances of places, fares and time of depar- 
ture of the Trains on all the Rail Roads, see 
Adams's Boston Directory, '48-9, page 40. 



PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND CO., BOSTON. 



I 




BOSifOSTAM® ssfwrm®?!?/^ 



t 



^1 Ik 



^ 



.^v -V ^.z^^^* "^ ^ \y^^*^ 





"^ --aim. -5,, 





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




III mil mil mil mil mil II 
014 078 015 7 



